3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are a few things you can do yourself in the event of this happening to you.
First, check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you can't find your keys. They can help you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using them without authorization.
However, they are not capable of unlocking your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. However they must have a legitimate reason to do this. If they see that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. It is possible to use your car, if it is one of these to open the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith would have. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing to do is find a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies can help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, when you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. key replacement car will help you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll have to be linked with the car by a manufacturer or dealer, and this could take a few days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This can be found on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This will allow the professional to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive method first, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
One of the easiest methods to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it may be able to work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If not, the police might require an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle to rescue passengers or pets.
Have a spare key at your home or with a friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back into your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to confirm that key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles that come with manual locks and functions as an easy slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you've found it lift the lever and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice however it could be the only method to enter the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in case of emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification on to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.